Creating a great CV

On average, an employer will spend 30 seconds looking at your CV. If you do not convince them that you are suitable for the role in this time, you will most likely be passed over for the opportunity.

To give you the best chance of attracting the employer’s attention, and convincing them that you are the right person for the job, we’ve put together these tips on how to create a great CV.

A CV is not a list of your skills, experience and achievements. It is a guide to how your skills, experience and achievements make you the perfect candidate for the position. Before you start • Research the role and the company fully. Be sure that you have

a clear idea in your mind of what the company are looking for both in terms of the job description and their company culture.• Map how your skills and experience meet each of the points in

the job description. This will help you create a clear and concise CV.

What to include Your CV should have your name, address, phone number, email address and any social media details that you wish to share. In addition to these details, typical sections include: • Introduction and profile• Key skills• Career history• Education and training• Personal interests

Each of these areas should be tailored to the role and the company that you are applying to. Avoid including too much information which does not support your application.

A few key points on things that you should always do when putting together a CV: Do • Focus your CV at a specific role and

company• Provide detailed information about your

skills and experience and how they meet the job description

• Quantify your achievements where possible

• Use a professional format (including font)• Use a confident tone with positive

language• Outline skills and experience that you

believe make you a better candidate than others

• Proof read and spell check – at least TWICE

A few key points on things that you should try and avoid when putting together a CV: Don’t • Write long lists of modules

and subject areas you have studied• Leave long gaps in your

employment history• Cram too much onto a page• Have a CV longer than 2

pages